Four-wheel drive is standard on all models with either engine, and a five-speed manual gearbox comprises the entry-level transmission on four-cylinder models. It delivers the rare charm of do-it-yourself gearshifts in a family-oriented SUV, though the tester came with a four-speed automatic.
Performance is adequate, with gear ratios placed appropriately to maximize the engine's passing and off-the-line performance. Shifts come without any hesitation, and the unit gears up and down cleanly--though it won't deter you from a manual should that be your preference. For a four-speed gearbox, it's got its stuff together, although an extra gear or two may have felt more appropriate in some situations.
V6 models come standard with a five-speed automatic--a nice way of saying that they can't be ordered with a manual.
Cruising the highways and twisty backroads of Northern Ontario around Huntsville, Orrville, Bracebridge and Muskoka, this could easily be forgotten. Suzuki has made the Grand Vitara 30 percent quieter than the last generation--an improvement apparent in a notably quiet ride with minimized wind and road noise.
All models use four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and the rear subframe has even been optimized to handle the added stopping power. It's quickly evident that engineers have worked to strike a nice blend of off-road ability and on-road ride quality.
The ride is generally smooth, while a car-like steering feel deftly hauls it around the twists with minimal fuss. A corner carver it is not, but with a taut suspension and strong, easily modulated brakes, it's perhaps more fun to drive than it needs to be. Just a hint of truck-like jiggle makes it past the suspension into the cabin, reminding drivers of the machine's hard-working mindset.
It's all taken in from a reasonably well put together interior which boasts a premium approach to packaging and features. You'll find such niceties as a sunroof, electroluminescent (read: sexy-looking) gauges, a 6-CD changer, heated leather seating and a premium audio system. Though a few low-budget bits of plastic and controls let it down slightly, you'll likely find it to look and feel effortlessly on par with its price.
Said price starts under $26,000 for the four-cylinder model, and tops out around $32,700 for a nicely-loaded V6. It's almost a no-brainer if you need a machine that's happy to crawl, haul or toss turf all weekend long.
Still, you'll have plenty of options to consider when shopping. However, it suffices to say that the Grand Vitara will put up a heck of an argument for your buck if you're out for an affordable SUV that's not scared to roll up its sleeves.
The 2009 Grand Vitara is on sale now.
photo:Justin Pritchard
Performance is adequate, with gear ratios placed appropriately to maximize the engine's passing and off-the-line performance. Shifts come without any hesitation, and the unit gears up and down cleanly--though it won't deter you from a manual should that be your preference. For a four-speed gearbox, it's got its stuff together, although an extra gear or two may have felt more appropriate in some situations.
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| Four-wheel drive is standard on all models with either engine. |
V6 models come standard with a five-speed automatic--a nice way of saying that they can't be ordered with a manual.
Cruising the highways and twisty backroads of Northern Ontario around Huntsville, Orrville, Bracebridge and Muskoka, this could easily be forgotten. Suzuki has made the Grand Vitara 30 percent quieter than the last generation--an improvement apparent in a notably quiet ride with minimized wind and road noise.
All models use four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, and the rear subframe has even been optimized to handle the added stopping power. It's quickly evident that engineers have worked to strike a nice blend of off-road ability and on-road ride quality.
The ride is generally smooth, while a car-like steering feel deftly hauls it around the twists with minimal fuss. A corner carver it is not, but with a taut suspension and strong, easily modulated brakes, it's perhaps more fun to drive than it needs to be. Just a hint of truck-like jiggle makes it past the suspension into the cabin, reminding drivers of the machine's hard-working mindset.
It's all taken in from a reasonably well put together interior which boasts a premium approach to packaging and features. You'll find such niceties as a sunroof, electroluminescent (read: sexy-looking) gauges, a 6-CD changer, heated leather seating and a premium audio system. Though a few low-budget bits of plastic and controls let it down slightly, you'll likely find it to look and feel effortlessly on par with its price.
Said price starts under $26,000 for the four-cylinder model, and tops out around $32,700 for a nicely-loaded V6. It's almost a no-brainer if you need a machine that's happy to crawl, haul or toss turf all weekend long.
Still, you'll have plenty of options to consider when shopping. However, it suffices to say that the Grand Vitara will put up a heck of an argument for your buck if you're out for an affordable SUV that's not scared to roll up its sleeves.
The 2009 Grand Vitara is on sale now.
photo:Justin Pritchard
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